By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, Feb 4 — The Selangor government is ready to share its experience with other states to enhance Malaysia’s food security, as part of a strategic effort to reduce dependence on food imports.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the modernisation of agricultural processes in Selangor’s west coast, particularly in Sekinchan, has begun to yield positive results and has been recognised by the federal administration.
“Although Selangor is Malaysia’s economic hub, I have always emphasised the importance of food security.
“We must boost agricultural productivity without relying solely on land expansion, instead focusing on sustainable soil quality for long-term gains rather than short-term output,” said Amirudin on X today.
The Menteri Besar’s statement was in response to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s statement in the Dewan Rakyat today that Putrajaya will adopt successful agricultural methods used in Sekinchan in other states.
[caption id="attachment_388766" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari speaks to reporters at the state-level Thaiponggal celebration at Dewan Seri Sekinchan, Sabak Bernam, on February 1, 2025. — Picture by FIKRI YUSOF/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Anwar said the move is needed as rice production in states such as Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan, and Terengganu is significantly lower than in Sekinchan.
In response, Amirudin expressed his gratitude to Anwar for acknowledging Selangor’s efforts.
Earlier, Anwar was responding to a supplementary question from Mohammed Taufiq Johari (PH-Sungai Petani), who asked how artificial intelligence technology and initiatives such as the Ala Sekinchan Large-Scale Smart Padi Field (SMART SBB) and high-yield padi seeds could enhance rice productivity.
Through SMART SBB, padi cultivation has become more systematic, leveraging technologies such as the Internet of Things and transplanters.
The approach has resulted in an increase in rice yields, with production rising from 3.75 metric tonnes to six or seven metric tonnes per hectare.
